Working for the Informed and Active Participation of Citizens in Government

Elections and Voting

Elections and Voting

Information about local candidate forums is posted on our calendar page as well as on Voter's Edge.Visit Voter's Edge California to find all the facts before you vote. Enter your address and get your entire ballot and polling place.

print out a personalized ballot with your choices to take with you on Election Day.

The League provides various resources for elections. Watch for the updated Easy Voter Guides, Pros & Cons and other materials to help prepare for elections.

The Easy Voter Guide has information to help new and busy voters learn about how to vote and what will be on the ballot in statewide elections. It also helps people learn how to make change in their community.

For the June 5, 2018 primary election, San Mateo joined four other counties in implementing the California Voter's Choice Act (VCA). The VCA changed the traditional polling place election model to an all-mailed ballot/vote center model with ballot drop-off locations.

The change was successful in increasing turnout and is now in effect.

March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election

For the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election, every registered voter in San Mateo County will receive a postage-paid mail-in ballot. Ballots will be mailed between February 3 and February 25.

Neighborhood polling places are replaced with 42 regional vote centers. Three vote centers open on February 3, nine will be open beginning February 22. Forty-two wiil be open from February 29 until March 3.

Voters can return the ballot by postal mail or use any of the drop boxes located throughout the county. Voters can also use any vote center to drop off the ballot, to vote in person or to get a replacement ballot. People who missed the deadline to register can also register and cast a provisional ballot at any vote center.

This voting system expands accessibility and voting opportunities for all voters, particularly those with disabilities, visual impairments and language minorities.

Locations of the vote centers and ballot drop off boxes are listed in the San Mateo County sample ballot and information is on the San Mateo County Election website.

Important Information for the Presidential Primary Election: If you are registerd as No Party Preference and want to vote for a U.S. President candidate, you must request a Crossover Ballot or re-register with a political party. Go to the County Elections website and select No Party Preference Options.

To register to vote, you must be

at least 18 years old

a resident of California

a United States citizen

not in prison or on parole for a felony conviction

If you have moved since the last election, you must re-register to vote.

You may also fill out a voter registration form and mail it to the County Elections Department. Forms are available in all public buildings, including libraries, city halls, post offices, Department of Motor Vehicles, etc.

Register in person at 40 Tower Road, San Mateo. For more information on registering to vote in San Mateo County or to find out if you are registered, go to the San Mateo County Election Department website, or call 650 312-5222.

Check the San Mateo County Elections Department website for information about the county election system, current, future and past elections, elected public offices and officials, voter registration, polling places, voting by mail and much more.

California now has a top-two primary system for state elections. The two candidates who receive the highest number of votes, regardless of party, will be on the ballot in November.

See our calendar page for a list of candidate forums. View past events for taped forums.